The bass thudded through the crowded penthouse, reverberating in your chest as you leaned against the kitchen island, nursing a champagne flute that was more for aesthetics than consumption. The place was packed with your mutual friends and strangers alike, each trying to make their mark before the clock struck midnight. (DAMN THE RHYMING, WELCOME BACK SHAKESPEARE) Unfortunately, among the party goers was someone you wished had made a New Year's resolution to avoid you forever—Chappell.
She was standing across the room, a silver dress hugging her frame like a second skin, her smile brighter than the glittering disco ball spinning above. You hated that she looked good. No, you loathed it. Because Chappell always looked good, and worse, she knew it.
"Still moping in the corner, Y/N?" Her voice was like champagne—sharp, bubbly, and laced with just enough bite to make you wince. You didn't even see her approach, but there she was, leaning on the counter with a smirk that made your blood boil.
"Still thriving on the attention, Chappell?" you shot back, taking a deliberate sip of your drink. You met her eyes, the unspoken challenge passing between you like a lit match.
"If by attention, you mean the fact that I'm the life of the party while you're hiding out like an understudy at opening night, then yes." She plucked a grape from the fruit tray beside you, popping it into her mouth with infuriating confidence.
You rolled your eyes. "Maybe I just enjoy not having everyone's eyes glued to me 24/7. Some of us don't need an audience to validate our existence."
Chappell laughed, the sound cutting through the music. "Is that what you tell yourself when no one asks you to dance? Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're holding out for some grand, Cinderella-style moment that's never going to happen."
You scoffed, setting your glass down with a clink. "And from where I'm standing, it looks like you've got an ego big enough to fill this entire room. What's next? A personal monologue before the countdown?"
"Jealousy doesn't suit you, Y/N." She leaned in closer, her perfume—a mix of vanilla and something sharp—flooding your senses. "Though I have to admit, you do wear bitterness well. It's almost...charming."
"Funny, I didn't realize you were taking charm lessons from villains in Disney movies," you quipped, your voice dripping with mock sweetness.
Her grin widened, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, please. If I'm the villain, you're the misunderstood anti-hero. Tragic backstory and all."
(please ignore this god awful disney shit, i'm tired)
You were about to retort when the DJ's voice boomed over the speakers, announcing the final minute before midnight. People began to crowd toward the massive floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline, the air electric with anticipation.
"Ten bucks says you'll be the only one without a New Year's kiss," Chappell said, her voice low enough for only you to hear.
"Ten bucks says you'll kiss a mirror," you shot back, your cheeks heating at her audacity.
The countdown began, everyone shouting in unison.
"Ten!"
Chappell raised a brow, her smirk softening into something you couldn't quite place.
"Nine!"
Your heart thudded louder than the music, but you refused to look away from her.
"Eight!"
"Still holding out for Cinderella?" she asked, her voice softer now.
"Seven!"
"Maybe I'm just waiting for the clock to run out," you replied, your tone laced with defiance.
"Six!"
Her gaze flicked to your lips, and suddenly the room felt smaller, the air heavier.
"Five!"
"Still think I'm the villain?" she murmured, stepping closer.
"Four!"
"Still think I'm the anti-hero?" you countered, your breath hitching as the distance between you shrank.
"Three!"
You swore time slowed as she leaned in, her eyes never leaving yours.
"Two!"
"Guess we'll find out," she whispered.
"One!"
Her lips brushed yours, and for a moment, the world fell away. The music, the cheers, the city lights—all of it blurred into nothing as you kissed her back with every ounce of frustration, tension, and unspoken something that had been building for months.
When you finally pulled away, the room erupted into cheers and whistles, but all you could focus on was the smug grin spreading across her face.
"Happy New Year," she said, her voice teasing yet warm.
You shook your head, a reluctant smile tugging at your lips. "I hate you."
"And yet," she said, brushing a strand of hair from your face, "you kissed me back."
Touché.
—————-
a/n
a new year's chapter 19 days after new year's?? i shouldn't have 🤭
lowk wanna make a part 2 tho so lmk if you want that 🙏
